City of Franklin Welcomes Largest Corporate Investment in More Than 10 Years

FRANKLIN - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Money Mailer, a leader in the direct mail industry, will invest $8.5 million and create 160 new jobs over the next five years in the City of Franklin. The investment will allow Money Mailer to locate a printing, packaging and mailing operation in an existing shell building in the Pretlow Industrial Park. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and Tennessee for the project.

“I am pleased that the City of Franklin is bouncing back so remarkably from the devastating flood of 1999, and that Money Mailer recognized the community’s spirit with this investment,” said Governor Warner. “The people of Franklin are skilled and ready to go to work.”

Headquartered in Garden Grove, California, Money Mailer was established in 1979 and is now one of America’s leading direct response advertising companies. Using an over-sized red, white and blue envelope filled with coupons as its media vehicle and foundation, Money Mailer serves over 195 categories of local businesses. In addition, Money Mailer mails over 120 million envelopes and services to more than 30,000 advertisers with its core product each year. Currently, there are over 250 Money Mailer franchises nationwide.

The Franklin operation will print, insert, and distribute direct mail advertising packages and materials for Money Mailer’s east coast franchisees. The company’s initial plant and equipment investment of $2.5 to $3.0 million will begin immediately. Money Mailer will also begin the recruitment of their first 30 employees in the next two weeks and plans to start production by mid-April. 

“We selected Franklin, Virginia over other locations because it has an ample pool of skilled prospective employees whose work ethic we believe is consistent with our company culture,” said Godfred Otuteye, Money Mailer President and CEO. “In addition, Franklin has the educational, social, and employee training facilities and amenities to support our employees and operations. For instance, the presence of a major paper mill in the area may conveniently supply our plant in the future.”

Otuteye further noted that local officials in Franklin, as well as state officials, were instrumental in influencing Money Mailer’s decision by strongly conveying the “business-friendly” aspects of the community.

Governor Warner approved a $225,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Franklin with the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the City of Franklin assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

“The City Council and management of the City of Franklin are excited that we have been selected for Money Mailer's east coast location,” said City of Franklin Mayor Jim Councill. “We are especially impressed with the corporate culture and interest of Money Mailer's management in the well-being of its employees. We are honored by their selecting our first class building and our city as their choice for expanding their company. We look forward to a long and mutually successful relationship with such a quality company.”